Monday, August 9, 2010

The Waiting Game

It has now been almost 2 weeks since my final treatment and I'm feeling fantastic. Almost all of the urges and/or discomfort has subsided. I'm ready to live a normal life again.

But wait, not so fast. I may feel like I'm cancer free now, but we haven't yet confirmed this. Hold the celebration. On Sept 14th, I'll go back to my urologist and have a cystoscopy done. They will examine the inside of my bladder with a tiny camera and then make the determination. I fully expect to be given a clean bill of health at that point. The majority of people my age, with my condition, have success with the treatment. Hey, the odds are good! If I'm clean, I will then be subject to only periodic check-ups. The duration between checks will continue to increase the longer we go. Eventually, it will be done on an annual basis.

Being a cancer patient really has given a somewhat different outlook on life. I've learned not to sweat the little things, be a little more patient, and enjoy the life God has given me. Yes, I've even felt like I've become closer to God and learned how to pray. In the back of my mind, I'll always know that this disease could return at any time and life could be shorter than I expect. For now, I want to live the rest of my days as fully as possible.

Some of those feelings prompted me to quit my job at Quicksilver. Instead, I've decided to pursue a position as a school bus driver, which feels like a much more meaningful job. The old job was just too many hours, little reward and not enough pay. Not enough pay is still going to be a small issue as a bus driver, but I'll have the freedom to add more hours as I want. The standard work week will be only around 20 hours. I'll have more time at home to cook, relax and work on my passion; running.

Thanks again to all my family and friends that have helped me through this. With your thoughts and prayers, I've come a long way.

7 comments:

Matt said...

Glad to hear you are feeling great rich! Can't wait to see you run the Big Sur marathon with Ali!!

Joe Gentile said...

Awesome! That is the best news I have heard in a loooong time!!!!!

Dan Kompo said...

Congrats. Can’t wait for the Patriot Run. Just read the website. I was getting a little nervous. My training hasn’t been going as well as your treatment. I’ll be there for you at the starting line. I’ll try to stay out of your way. Had a nice chat with your mom. She made the mistake of telling me she’s sending cookies. I’ll let you know how they were when I get there Thursday.

Cosmetic surgery Atlanta said...

Good to hear about your cancer free journey.I am sure with the latest developed therapies and technologies some cancers when detected early can be fought surely.

gastric bypass surgery Los Angeles said...

May your get well soon and feel much much better ad happy and healthy.A job should always satisfy your mind.The financial side is there but the mental satisfaction improves the quality of life.

Jackie Nash said...

Rich,
I am happy to hear you are going so well. Thanks for sharing your experience and wisdom with us.
God Bless you and your family.

David Haas said...

Hello,
I have a question about your blog. Please email me!
Thanks,
David